topic Re: Opening an old version 7 file in General discussions

Opening an old version 7 file

iggiv — Tue, 16 Jun 2026 00:40:10 GMT

Dear Archicad Community,

I have an old Archicad 7 project file (.PLN) that I would like to open and review to see if there is any useful information or geometry that can be recovered.

The oldest version of Archicad I currently have is Archicad 24, and my goal would be to migrate the file through intermediate versions until I can eventually open it in Archicad 29. I do not mind losing the original library parts, as I can rebuild or replace those if necessary. My primary interest is recovering the model and project information.

Does anyone know of a way to convert an Archicad 7 PLN file to a version that Archicad 24 can open, or is there anyone with access to older Archicad versions who might be able to help with the conversion process?

Any advice or assistance would be greatly appreciated.

Thank you in advance.

Re: Opening an old version 7 file

Lingwisyer — Tue, 16 Jun 2026 01:18:26 GMT

AC10 => AC24 => AC29

https://community.graphisoft.com/t5/Project-data-BIM/Converting-old-Archicad-Files/ta-p/303492

Re: Opening an old version 7 file

iggiv — Tue, 16 Jun 2026 11:40:25 GMT

Dear Lingwisyer,

I was excited to see your response and to have a chance of opening the Archicad 7.0 file.

However, I have encountered a challenge. I downloaded both the USA and the International versions of the software for AC 10. When I double-click the ".dmg" file, it opens a folder, but I cannot find an installer inside. At this point, I seem to have reached a dead end.

I was hoping I could perhaps get, a tip or suggestion on how to properly install the software on my computer.

I also have several other old Archicad AC 7 files that I would like to migrate eventually to Archicad 29. I understand that I will likely lose all of the library objects and other elements during the conversion process. My primary interest is preserving the slabs, roofs, and walls so that I do not have to redraw the entire building. Most of the other components can be rebuilt if necessary.

Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

Thank you for your help.

Re: Opening an old version 7 file

Yves — Tue, 16 Jun 2026 13:14:29 GMT

Hello,

There is no installer for Archicad 10, and your screenshot shows that Archicad.app cannot be opened on your macOS.

You would need a computer with an older version of macOS.

If you wish, I still have a computer that can open Archicad 10. I could therefore convert your file.

Re: Opening an old version 7 file

iggiv — Tue, 16 Jun 2026 14:03:11 GMT

To Anyone Who May Be Able to Help,

I decided to install Parallels on my laptop running macOS 26.5.1 and then try to run the Archicad 10 conversion setup in order to open my old Archicad 7 file.

Unfortunately, I have not been able to get the converter installed. It appears there may be some compatibility issues with macOS/Parallels environment. At this point, it seems that I may need to find access to a Windows PC laptop, in order to run the converter successfully, unless someone has a suggestion or workaround that I have overlooked.

My goal is simply to recover the building geometry and eventually migrate the project to Archicad 29. I understand that many library parts, objects, and attributes may be lost during the conversion process, which is not a concern for me. The most important elements are the walls, slabs, and roofs, as recovering those would save a significant amount of time compared to redrawing the project from scratch.

If anyone has experience converting Archicad 7 files or has advice regarding the installation of the old converter software, I would greatly appreciate your help.

Thank you.

Re: Opening an old version 7 file

Fra — Tue, 16 Jun 2026 15:44:31 GMT

Hi iggiv

I have an old PC that I used to convert files.
If you want, I could do that. I don't know if you can share the file.

Francesco

Re: Opening an old version 7 file

Barry Kelly — Wed, 17 Jun 2026 02:22:11 GMT

I have no idea about MAC and Parallels and whether the 10 converter will run, but it is not a program you need to install.

It should simply be a ZIP or compressed file you need to expand to your local hard drive and then run the Archicad program file.

Barry.